Introduction
In Islamic eschatology, the end-times narrative is rich with powerful figures, dramatic events, and spiritual trials. Among these, two of the most significant personalities are the Dajjal (often translated as the Antichrist) and Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary). A striking element of Islamic belief is that, contrary to some interpretations in Christian theology, the Dajjal will promote a false theology that includes the doctrine of the Trinity, while Jesus Christ, when he returns, will correct this by affirming strict monotheism (Tawhid). This key difference underscores Islam's theological stance on the nature of God and serves as a defining contrast between truth and deception in the end times.
Islamic Understanding of Tawhid vs. Trinity
At the heart of Islamic theology is Tawhid, the absolute oneness of God. Islam teaches that God (Allah) is singular, indivisible, and utterly unique. The Qur'an rejects any division or association in God's nature. This is expressed in verses such as:
"Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him."
— Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4)
By contrast, the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which states that God is three persons in one essence — the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit — is seen in Islam as a theological error introduced after Jesus’ time. The Qur’an directly addresses this idea:
"O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter anything concerning Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, was only a Messenger of Allah... So believe in Allah and His Messengers, and do not say 'Three'. Cease! (It is) better for you. Allah is only One God."
— Surah An-Nisa (4:171)
Therefore, any promotion of the Trinity is, from an Islamic perspective, a deviation from pure monotheism.
Who Is the Dajjal?
In Islamic eschatology, the Dajjal is a false messiah, a deceiver who will appear before the Day of Judgment. He will claim divinity, perform deceptive miracles, and mislead many. Numerous hadiths (sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) describe the Dajjal in detail — physically, behaviorally, and ideologically.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"No tribulation on earth since the creation of Adam’s children will be greater than the trial of the Dajjal."
— Sahih Muslim
One of the ways the Dajjal will deceive people is by claiming to be divine or a representation of God on Earth, which aligns closely with certain interpretations of Trinitarian theology that elevate Jesus to divine status.
In this context, Islamic scholars interpret the Dajjal as a symbol of religious distortion, one who promotes theological ideas like the Trinity, which Islam views as misrepresentations of God’s oneness.
Jesus Christ in Islam: The Clarifier of Truth
In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is a revered prophet and messenger, born miraculously to the Virgin Mary, and granted miracles by God's permission. However, Islam denies both his crucifixion and divinity.
Instead, the Qur’an teaches:
"...They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it appeared so to them..."
— Surah An-Nisa (4:157)
Muslims believe that Jesus was raised up by God and that he will return before the Day of Judgment. His second coming will serve to correct false beliefs that developed after his departure.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
"By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the son of Mary will shortly descend among you... He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the jizya (tax), and wealth will overflow..."
— Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim
“Breaking the cross” is widely interpreted by Islamic scholars as refuting the theology of crucifixion and the divinity of Jesus — in other words, directly rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity.
The Dajjal’s Deception: Elevating Jesus as Divine?
While the Qur'an never uses the word "Trinity" to describe the Dajjal's agenda directly, many hadiths and scholarly interpretations suggest that the Dajjal will promote himself as a divine savior, exploiting the Christian narrative of Jesus’ divinity to gain followers.
The Dajjal’s role is deeply deceptive; he will even claim to be God. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned:
"The Dajjal will say: 'I am your Lord.'"
— Sunan Ibn Majah
This claim, paired with supernatural acts, may mimic the Christian image of the Second Coming of Christ — leading people who believe in Jesus as divine to follow him mistakenly.
Thus, in a dramatic theological irony, the Antichrist (Dajjal) will promote ideas resembling the deification of Jesus, while the real Jesus will return to oppose these very ideas.
Theological Implications: Jesus vs. the Trinity
When Jesus returns, Islamic tradition states he will:
-
Break the cross – Symbolizing the end of the idea that he was crucified or died for humanity’s sins.
-
Kill the swine – Representing the rejection of religious innovations.
-
Abolish the jizya – Signaling that Islam will be the dominant religion and that Jesus will rule by Islamic law.
These actions are not just political—they are deeply theological. They symbolize the restoration of pure monotheism and the rejection of all divine attributions to Jesus himself.
In contrast, the Dajjal will perform false miracles, offer material incentives, and promote the illusion of salvation through a corrupted image of Jesus—one that upholds divinity, atonement through crucifixion, and the Trinity.
Summary: Two Opposing Figures
| Element | Dajjal (Antichrist) | Isa (Jesus Christ) |
|---|---|---|
| Claims to be | God or divine | Messenger of God |
| Supports | Idolatry, possible Trinity, false theology | Tawhid (oneness of God) |
| Symbolism | Deception, false salvation | Truth, correction of belief |
| Mission | Mislead, dominate temporarily | Restore monotheism, defeat the Dajjal |
Conclusion
In Islamic belief, the conflict between the Dajjal and Jesus is more than physical—it is theological. The Dajjal represents distorted beliefs, including potentially the doctrine of the Trinity. Meanwhile, Jesus returns not as a new prophet or divine being, but as a servant of God sent to correct these misconceptions and reestablish the oneness of Allah.
This eschatological narrative serves as a powerful reinforcement of Tawhid and a warning against innovations that compromise pure monotheism. It also highlights the Islamic view of Jesus as a truthful and noble prophet, not divine—one whose legacy has been misinterpreted, but who will return to set the record straight.
No comments:
Post a Comment